Author: Editorial
Publication: Marathi Daily 'Pudhari'
Date: March 29, 2009
Since the time from when there has been a
storm raised over the speech of Varun Gandhi, BJP candidate from Pilbit constituency,
we have been firmly stating that there is no substance. But like the adage
that 'shallow water makes more noise,' media did not have this outlook at
all. We are surprised that this is not paid attention by the anti-BJP parties
also.. Because, the so called 'trap' which was said to have set for him, seems
to have now turned to be beneficial for BJP along with Varun.. This fear is
being expressed by media only. The media raised the storm stating that that
speech of Varun was anti-Muslim and instigating hatred. Then the Election
Commission woke up and directed District Officers to lodge a criminal case
on him. Not only the EC stopped there, but also relying on the media's news
declared Varun 'Guilty'.. Therefore, the TV channels became ready to make
a 'shikaar' of Varun. Among all this confusion, on dismissing the petition
of Varun by Allahabad High Court, news was flashed over them as if Varun is
finished. But all of them had forgotten that he is an expert on law and highly
educated person. The use of law can't be done by one side only. Both sides
can use it equally shrewdly. It appeared that nobody was aware that Varun
Gandhi could employ the law cleverly for political mileage. And now the same
situation has arisen. The storm raised against Varun is proving to be beneficial
to Varun along with BJP. On dismissal of his petition by Allahabad High Court,
by deciding not to apply for anticipatory bail, in a way, he challenged UP
Government and Election Commission.
Looking at the legal battle, the ball is now
in the court of Varun-opponents. But they are now confused as to how to send
it back and where. The dilemma is if he is arrested according to law, he is
going to get martyrdom, if arrest is avoided, the picture will be that the
law is helpless before him. FIR was lodged against him and the Police can
arrest him for an instigating speech. But his conviction after proving his
guilt and verdict against him and the High Court's confirmation of it is necessary.
But on that account he cannot be declared ineligible for election for instigating
speech. That means, for his so-called instigating speech he cannot be declared
ineligible for election whether he is arrested or not. In the Parliament,
legislative assemblies and even in the cabinets, many certified murderers;
rapists are working on that account only. Then which law can stop him from
contesting election? Nobody was aware that this very hurricane could be used
by him to cover him with political martyrdom. Now that he has refused to proceed
with request for anticipatory bail, there is a question mark before the law
(in truth, before the law observing political parties and leaders). What will
be the political consequences of arresting him is a question troubling many.
Therefore only, the BJP, which was trying to stay away from Varun, is now
firmly backing him (of course for political gains). On the other hand, all
those who were impatient for his arrest are extremely worried over the likely
consequences of his arrest. What now! What Varun will do if arrested! What
will be the effect on the mindset of the people?
If anticipatory bail is not taken?
Yet, there has not been a warrant of his arrest.
But with the accusation leveled against him, he can be arrested any moment.
After, arrest, he can get bail immediately. But if he does not apply for bail
and prefers to stay behind the bars? Varun with his instigating and vehement
speech would be better as so many accusations can be leveled against him from
many corners of the country. But if he refuses bail and prefers to remain
behind bars, BJP could display his large posters throughout the country and
create a wave of sympathy. Then BJP need not talk of Hindutva or religion
at all. "In this country, it has become a crime to talk for self-protection
by Hindus"; "Varun Gandhi is pining in Jail for it" will be
the slogans of the BJP leaders for canvassing in all the villages. That canvassing
cannot be called instigating. But the possibility of impressing heavily the
Hindu mindset already made to feel unsafe due to Jihad. Varun behind bars
can prove to be more explosive that the one talking instigating in the canvassing
meetings. It will be in the hands of Varun. Even if he is getting bail he
can deny the accusations and prefer to remain behind bars. No law can force
him to get freedom by taking bail. Then should he be arrested and given in
his hands a powerful weapon? Or avoid his arrest and show that the law and
EC are impotent before him? This is the dilemma before his opponents. It is
clear from all this, that Varun Gandhi is using the 5 generations shrewdness
and the knowledge of law cleverly. Impatient media and political parties have
given all the threads in this 29-year-old youngster.
